Upstate South Carolina is experiencing a period of high temperatures, with heat indices projected to reach triple digits. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about dangerous heat and the potential for heat-related illnesses. This heat is expected to persist through the week, with some relief anticipated over the Labor Day weekend.
Despite September’s arrival, summer-like conditions are lingering in the Upstate. Temperatures in the Greenville area are forecast to climb into the high 90s, with the heat index reaching 102 degrees on Wednesday, September 2. Even higher heat index values are expected later in the week.
As the region approaches the Labor Day weekend, high temperatures and triple-digit heat indices are expected to continue, according to the National Weather Service. A weak cold front is forecast to bring some respite, with potential pop-up storms and showers from Saturday, September 5, through Labor Day, September 7. These conditions could help reduce temperatures to the mid-to-high 80s by Labor Day.
The National Weather Service is predicting dangerous heat indices across much of its coverage area, including Upstate South Carolina, and advises caution for individuals working outdoors. The weather service stated in a social media post that dangerous triple-digit heat index values would continue on Wednesday east of the mountains, noting a risk of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and dehydration. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor work when possible.
The unseasonably hot and muggy conditions are expected to continue through the week, with relief potentially arriving early next week. This relief is anticipated to come from a weak cold front, bringing possible rain and thunderstorms. However, long-range outlooks from the weather service suggest that summer-like temperatures have a 50-70% chance of persisting through at least mid-September.
The forecast for Greenville and the Upstate South Carolina region through Labor Day includes:
- Wednesday, September 2: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97 degrees and heat index values up to 102.
- Thursday, September 3: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97 degrees and heat index values up to 104.
- Friday, September 4: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97 degrees.
- Saturday, September 5: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m., with a high near 97 degrees.
- Sunday, September 6: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., with a high near 90 degrees.
- Labor Day, September 7: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 86 degrees.
